One of our oldest and most historic buildings is the Old Ursuline Convent. There's a special exhibit of artifacts on loan from the Ursuline Nuns, the Archdiocese of New Orleans and The St. Louis Cathedral. This exhibit will be open to the public only one day, Tuesday, May 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The convent is located at 1100 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. There's no charge for the tour.

• History of the Old Ursuline Convent
• A short History of New Orleans
• Haunted New Orleans
• New Orlealns Ghost Stories

One of the most unique areas of New Orleans is just down river from the French Quarter. Faubourg Marigny is the second oldest part of the city and has a wealth of Creole architecture, fun Jazz joints and great restaurants. This Sunday, you have a chance to tour some of the Creole homes in Faubourg Marigny and enjoy music, and an art market too.

• Faubourg Marigny
• The tour
• The Creoles and the Americans

A fun event will take place this Wednesday, May 14th. It's a pet-friendly evening of Bingo to help support the Louisiana SPCA. Meet your fellow pooch parents, sip cocktails and swap doggy tales. Muttshotz Photography will be on hand to snap pics and Jacques Rodrigue, son of George Rodrigue, will be the special guest bingo announcer for the evening.

It will all start at 6:30 PM and go until 8:30 at the W New Orleans - French Quarter, Courtyard, 316 Chartres Street. RSVP 97508.RSVP@WHOTELS.COM, 504 552 4067

There's great fun and many events to chose from on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans. Plan your schedule now.

Last week after the Wednesday at the Square concert, we went to try out a new restaurant near our home called, La Thai Uptown. The meal was great, and I tasted several dishes and we'll be back again soon for more. La Thai is a great option for those who love the fresh seafood in New Orleans and the spices of Thai cuisine.

I made it through Jazzfest by only gaining 3 lbs.!! A personal record for me. But, alas, the Wine and Food Experience is upon us again with offerings of great meals, and great wine and food pairings. Perhaps I'll walk a little faster on the Royal Street Stroll this year to compensate. Make your plans now and get your tickets. This year the dates are May 20-24.

Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers came home to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. New Orleanians, ready to heal the breach between Aaron and his hometown, chanted his named and filed the seats and aisles. Aaron's performance in the Gospel tent on Saturday was a once in a lifetime experience. His "Amazing Grace" and other gospel favorites made us all remember why we love to hear him sing. Aaron stayed overtime and ended his second encore with "Louisiana 1927", a song by Randy Newman that contains the line, "Some people got lost in the flood, some people got away all right."

All of the Neville Brothers took the big stage on Sunday to close Jazzfest, as is the tradition. Quint Davis, the producer of Jazzfest said it best when he said, "This is a family reunion." And it was a family reunion with all of us together again for the first time since Katrina.

The New Orleans Hornets have won the first round of the NBA playoffs by beating the Dallas Mavericks. This Saturday in the New Orleans Arena, the Hornets will take on the Spurs at 9p.m., with Coach of the Year, Byron Scott, leading the charge. So, if you have any energy left after Jazz Fest, and you can get a ticket, get over to the Hive!.

Saturday at JazzFest was wet, but by no means a washout. We spent some time at the WWOZ Jazz tent at one point, but even the rain couldn't keep us away from Dr. John's set on the Acura stage--an open field where ponchos and umbrellas couldn't quite keep us dry. Equally as impressive was the crowd for Billy Joel, who came on after it had been raining a couple of hours. The grounds were a sea of umbrellas, and Billy lived up to the loyal crowd, with one of the best sets we have ever heard. Sunday was much better, and the weather for this weekend looks fine.

• Best food choices
• Best bets for music
• Jazz Fest photos

Jammin' on Julia, the fun art stroll on Julia Street in the Warehouse/Arts District is set for May 3, 2008 this year. Get the details and plan to come.